Improvement in curtain-fixtures



E. B. LAKE.

CURTAIN-FIXTURES.

No. 185,550. Patented Dec. 19, 1876.

T I: GRAPHIC CD-N-Y P ENT OFFICE.

EZRA LAKE, OF BR cKSBU-RG, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR 'ro SALEM SHADE o LEAnUE crnBINe'co PAnY, 0E SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS.

i IMP'RIOFVEMENT IN CURTAIN-FIXTURES.

Specification forming part of Letters Pat'ent No. 185,550, datedDecember 19, 1876; application filed A t October 27, 1875'.

To all whom it may concern: p

Be it known that I, EZRA B. LAKE, of

Bricksbu-rg, in the county of Ocean and State of New Jersey, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Curtain-Fixtures;

and I do hereby declarethe followingto be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, such as Will enable others skilled in theart to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, in which-Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section; Fig. 2, detail view. Figs.3 and 4 are transverse vertical sections. Fig. 5 is an enlarged View ofthe devices which constitute my invention.

The principal object of my invention is to provide a balance-springroller, which looks against frictional resistance, with means forlocking the spring, to prevent its unwinding when the roller is removedfrom the brackets. A further object of my invention is to provide anarrangement of frictional devices for upholding the weight in abalance-spring roller, so that the spring will only be required to windup the shade when the incubus of the weight is removed.

My invention accordingly consists, first, in the combination,with abalance-shade which looks against frictional resistance, means forlocking the spring when removed from the bracket; secondly, in thespecial construction and arrangement of devices for effecting thisresult; thirdly, in the novel construction and combination of parts, ashereinafter more fully set forth.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, A shows a curtain hung upon aroller, B, sustained in brackets O G, and provided with a weight, D. Theend of the roller B is recessed to form a socket, b, for the receptionof a spiral spring, E, and shaft F, the latter having a collar, F, towhich is pivoted a pawl, G. H represents a disk, which fits loosely onthe shaft F, having a ratchet-barrel, h, which slides under thelaterally-projecting tail-piece g of the pawl G. When the disk H isrevolved in the direction indicated by the arrow,

it meets with no impediment from the pawl, but lifts the latter fourtimes for each revolution, or once for each shoulder on the barrel h;but when the disk H begins to move in a concave spring-washer located onthe shaft 4 F, and between the disk H and another washer, K, which formsa cap or. head for a ring or band, L. The band L has a central annularprojection or flange, I, through a central opening in which the barrel hprojects, the disk H resting flush against such flange. The band L isformed with projections 1 which enter the roller B, and with lugs 1which fit in corresponding notches in the head K. M represents a tap orshield fitting over the band L and end of the roller B, holding thevarious parts in their proper position and relation. The ends of thespiral spring E are attached, respectively, to the roller B and collarF. The shaft F is formed with an angular end, f, fitting in acorresponding opening in the bracket 0, so as to prevent the rotation ofsaid shaft in its bearings.

The operation and functions of the parts are as follows: Before placingthe curtain in position in the brackets it should be rolled up or woundupon the roller, so that when drawn down the requisite tension of thespring will be produced. When the curtain is drawn down the rollerrevolves, carrying with it the cap M, band L, and head K, the shaft Fremaining .stationary. The disk H, with its barrel h, is prevented fromrevolving by reason of the engagement of the pawl G with one of theshoulders h. The washer I, which is formed with a square opening,fitting on a similarly-shaped projection on the disk H, also remainsstationary with the latter, the outer edge of said washer presenting africtional resistance to the rotation of the head L. This frictionalresistance may be easily overcome by a slight downward draw upon thecurtain, but is sufficiently strong to resist the gravity of the weightD. From this it follows that as soon as the drawing motion of tl1ecurtain or downward pu'llthereon is discontinued the curtain will hangmotionless, the spring being powerless to raise the weight, and thelatter not being heavy enough to overcome the frictional resistancebetween the washer I and head K. As soon, however, as the weight israised, the spring will begin to wind up the curtain, the roller Bturning, and with it the cap M, band L, head K, washer I, and disk H,the barrel in turning under the pawl G in the direction of the arrowwithout meeting with any impediment from the said pawl. Upon removingthe roller from its in g automatic ineansfonreleasing it' fromytfijeresistance of-la frictional .brakeiwhen in "the brackets, an automaticdevice for locking the spring and preventing its unwinding when theroller is removed from the brackets, sub- I stantially as-described. i

2. In a sprin g balance,curtaingroller, having a friction-brake to'regulate the'descent of the curtain, an automatic device'to relieve theroller of' frictional re'sistance during the ascent of the curtain,substantially as described. 3. The combination of the curtain A, roller-B, weight '1), spring E, sha'ft F, pawl G disk H, having ratchet-barrelh, spring-washer I, head K, band L, and cap M, the several parts bein gconstructed and combined for operation substantially as shown.and.described.

In testim'onythat "I clalm the, forego ng I have hereunto set. myhandthis 20th dayof October, 1875 H a ii zm B- Witnessesz; 5 GEO. 0.SHELMERDINE,

M. DANL. GoNNonL

